Pressure Sensor Seal Geometry to Prevent Inlet Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing elements for pressure sensor assemblies in motor vehicles often fail to provide an adequate sealing function, leading to interference with pressure detection and potential moisture or impurity ingress, which can compromise the reliability of crash detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element with a through-recess and a main body having an outer and inner wall, where the inner wall features a first wall section widening towards the lower axial end, ensuring complete sealing of the pressure supply opening while accommodating production and installation tolerances, and an elastic form to prevent coverage of the pressure supply opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional sealing element is used to seal the pressure supply opening, then the assembly housing is sealed against impurities and moisture, but the sealing element covers or overlays the pressure supply opening, adversely affecting pressure detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into functionally distinct regions: a first region that seals the pressure supply opening and a second region that is axially offset to prevent coverage of the opening. This segmentation allows the sealing function and pressure detection function to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element utilizes axial offset (dimensional positioning) to resolve the conflict between sealing and pressure detection. By positioning the sealing surface at a different axial level than the pressure supply opening, the element seals effectively while leaving the opening accessible for pressure sensing.
2Reliability
If a sealing element is positioned to seal the pressure supply opening, then pressure detection is enabled, but production and installation tolerances cause inadequate sealing or coverage of the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is pre-configured with an axial offset between its sealing surface and the pressure supply opening. This preliminary positioning ensures that even when assembly tolerances vary, the sealing function is maintained without risking coverage of the pressure opening, as the offset provides a built-in compensation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the positional parameter (axial offset) of the sealing surface relative to the pressure supply opening. This parameter change creates a tolerance-resistant configuration where sealing effectiveness is maintained across varying manufacturing and installation conditions.
3Reliability
If the sealing element surface is positioned to seal effectively, then sealing is improved, but the pressure supply opening becomes covered or overlaid
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element features segmented functional zones: a sealing surface positioned for effective sealing and a pressure supply region kept accessible. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different axial positions to different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the sealing action to a different axial dimension than the pressure supply opening. This dimensional separation allows the sealing surface to contact the housing wall for sealing while the pressure opening remains exposed for pressure transmission to the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing element for a pressure sensor assembly for a motor vehicle for crash detection. The sealing element has a through-recess running in an axial direction and a main body having an outer wall and an inner wall surrounding the through-recess, as well as having a lower axial end and an upper axial end, wherein the inner wall of the main body has a first wall section widening towards the lower axial end, wherein the lower axial end of the main body faces the pressure sensor housing in the assembled state, and wherein the first wall section forms a contact surface for contact with the pressure sensor housing, on which at least sections of the pressure sensor housing rest in the assembled state.